Blanche Shenk Werner

Blanche Shenk Werner, 86, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2013, joining in peace, her husband and the love of her life, Herbert C. Werner, Sr., who passed on January 23, 2009. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Blanche will be dearly missed by all those fortunate enough to witness her light, love, and generosity first hand. With a great sense of humor and a smiling face, she was always quick to make others feel safe, loved, and at home. Blanche was a gentle soul, a great cook, and a true friend. She had an affection for sweets, a love of posies, fashion, mystery novels, and a good game of cards, and preferred hot dogs to filet mignon any day. Truly giving and kind, Blanche volunteered countless hours to the organizations close to her heart. Over the years, she was a very active member of the Willow Street United Church of Christ, the Auxiliary to the Blind Association, Lancaster General Hospital Auxiliary, and Meals on Wheels. She is survived by her sons: Herbert C., Jr., husband of Deborah Heisey Werner of Lititz, PA, and Kevin D., husband of Cherylann Poplar Werner of Lancaster, PA; her grandchildren: Sarah (married to James A. Balsdon, II), Jared (married to Megan Crammer Werner), Laura (married to Blazej Kesy), Elizabeth, and Rebecca; her great-grandchildren: Ella Rose Werner and Dominic James Balsdon; and her sister, Frances Heisey of Manheim, PA. She was predeceased by her husband, Herbert C. Werner, Sr., and by her siblings: Samuel, Verna, Suie, Aaron, Martin, and Henry. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial service at Willow Street U.C.C., 2723 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. Ron Bohannan officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the memorial service. Interment will be private. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions in her memory may be sent to: Susquehanna Association for the Blind and Vision Impaired, 244 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603; or Meals on Wheels, Inc., 1085B Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.

Shelly and I have known Blanche for years as members of WSUCC. We came to know and love both Blanche and Herb. We are deeply saddened by her passing and the loss of one who so loved God and her fellow man.